With financial assistance from her employer, XL Capital, Delores Price decided, as a 50-year-old, to complete her college degree through Drexel University?s online programme.

The Claims Analyst took part in a Q&A as she discussed her decision to return to school.

How did you hear about Drexel University?

?The American Insurance Institute sent a newsletter, advising my AIC designation could provide me with credits toward a Bachelor?s degree at Drexel, so a co-worker and I contacted Drexel. In addition, my co-worker had a niece who was attending Drexel who was able to provide us with additional information about the university. As a result I enrolled as it was always my desire to compete my degree after receiving my Associate?s degree with Chicago Community College and taking insurance courses at the Bermuda College.?

What course are you doing?

?At the present time I am enrolled in two courses: Introduction to Business Planning and Investment Analysis.?

Was the course of study something that you always wanted to do, but couldn?t?

?If you are referring to the course of study as it relates to the degree I would have to say yes, as it has always been my desire to complete my degree after the US Naval Base closed, making it difficult for me to continue with my studies. If you are referring to courses that I am taking at this moment, I would also have to say that both have been of interest to me, especially investment.

?When one looks around and sees that the Government social security fund might not be available to one upon retiring or that one has not secured enough funds to maintain one?s current standard of living, I would have to say that I am looking at different ways of ensuring that when I retire that I can live in comfort without worrying whether I have enough resources to put food on the table or a roof over my head. I believe that the study of investment has been an eye opener for me.

?As to business planning, I believe that the course has provided me with an understanding of what and why it is important for one to establish a plan before jumping into a business venture. Although I might not necessarily run my own business, I can use the tools to assist younger family members if or when they decide to become entrepreneurs.?

When did you start?

?I started the present courses on April 3, 2006. They run for ten weeks. I started working toward the BS In General Studies with a Specialisation in Management degree back in September 2003. I should have completed the degree this Spring, but with the demands at work I have cut back on the number of courses taken. I should complete the degree no later than Spring 2007 if I take only one course for the next three terms.?

How have you found the course and how is it progressing?

?I find both courses challenging and demanding, and both courses are progressing smoothly. At this point I am taking my mid-term exams. I am working on my business plan for establishing a wellness centre within the workplace. As for the investment analysis course, I am reading the Wall Street Journal on a daily basis in order to help me better understand investments and the results impact of the news has on the shareholders? confidence in a company and the economy.

?From the degree standpoint it has progressed okay. When I started the degree programme I already had an Associates degree. I mainly needed to take the required core courses towards the Bachelor?s degree. Like the majority of colleges,

?Drexel?s requirement is that you have to take 45 credits with the college in order to receive your degree through that institution. All the courses that I have taken thus far are relevant to today?s market, which have opened my eyes to topics and issues that I was clueless about.?

How old are you? Have you found it a challenge to return to study and how are you dealing with it?

?I am 53 years old and yes I have found it to be a challenge. Working a full-time demanding job, late nights studying with little social life and many sleepless nights trying to complete assignments or studying for exams has been a real challenge. It is a challenge because it takes me longer as I must re-read the assignment multiple times for full understanding because I want the best grade possible.

?As a result of working a full-time job I do not get to start working on my course until after 6 p.m. when I would like to go to bed but instead I am up late into the night or the early hours of the morning trying to meet the course requirements. It is as if I have two full-time jobs!

?I would have to say that I am dealing with it by using the technique of time management skills. I work on a piece of the puzzle daily. That which I can address immediately I do. If not, I use Sundays to focus on the majority of the weekly requirements so that I can get my assignments submitted by my weekly deadline of Tuesdays at 11 p.m.?

Do you have a family i.e. children and if yes, how are you dealing with day-to-day responsibilities and getting on with study?

?My husband and I live in an empty nest. Needless to say that the day-to-day responsibilities do get placed on the backburner on many occasions.?

What are some of the benefits of doing an online course?

?The one thing that comes to mind is that knowledge is the key that can open windows of opportunities. If sitting in a classroom is not possible because of family commitments, taking online course can be the answer. One does not have to find a babysitter, as he or she can be at home with their family, have a full-time job, not have to travel overseas and can complete a degree within the same time frame as one who attends college/university full time. The online classrooms are open 24/7 and the professors and classmates are all very helpful.?